HPV is more than common than we may think. According to the  CDC, over 20 million people are presently infected with HPV. About 80% of women get infected before they cross 50. Indeed, over 50% of sexually active people in the US have HPV. HPV genital infection is one of the most commonly sexually transmitted diseases. About one-third HPV virus strains are transmitted through sexual contact. You Can Beat It!

Frequent Use of Male Condoms Can Prevent HPV Infection in Women

Read More Common symptoms are warts on the hands and feet, as well as of lesions of the mucous membranes of the oral, anal, and genital cavities. In women, the warts occur on the lips of the vagina, inside the vagina, or around the anus. Anogenital warts may be itchy. Symptoms develop within three weeks to three months after exposure. A study by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reported that almost half of the women with HPV had no visible symptoms.

 

Some 60 subtypes of HPV strain have been identified, some of which are associated with cancerous and precancerous conditions. Some strains also cause skin warts, others genital warts, which are the most recognizable sign of HPV infection. Other types of HPV are associated with the development of cervical cancer.

The good news however is that despite the co-occurrence of HPV and cervical cancer, most HPV infections resolve spontaneously and DO NOT cause progressive lesions. Cancer develops in only a small percentage of infected patients.

Early Diagnosis is Important

A pelvic exam is necessary to test for and diagnose cervical infection, using Pap smear or other tests. Warts on the skin (face, hand, legs, feet) are diagnosed clinically.

Regular condom use is the best form of prevention.